Officials Confirm Sports Star is Dead After Pulling His Body from Plane Wreckage

A famous sports star has just been confirmed dead after officials revealed tragic details about a plane crash. According to reports, the body of Emiliano Sala has been pulled from the wreckage.

"Emiliano Sala -- an Argentinian soccer player -- has been confirmed dead ... coroner's ID'd a body that was pulled from a tragic plane crash as his, Dorset Police announced. The 28-year-old had boarded a small plane in France with a pilot on Jan. 21 destined for Wales ... but it crashed in the English Channel shortly after takeoff," wrote TMZ.

The soccer star was on the flight as part of a transfer to another team. He sent a message out on social media just moments before the plane went down. It was very heartbreaking to read.

"I am now aboard a plane that seems like it is falling to pieces," Sala said [translated from Spanish] ... "I'm going to Cardiff now, crazy, and tomorrow we get going. I will train with my new team tomorrow. If you do not have any more news from [me] in an hour and a half, I don't know if they need to send someone to find me. I am getting scared!"

The plane disappeared from radar reports shortly after it took off. A massive search was launched and days later the plane was discovered. Fans and teammates have reached out on social media to express their condolences upon learning of his death.

Please join us in praying to Emiliano's family and friends during this sad time. We pray that they find peace through the comfort and grace of God.

"Sala was a star for Nantes before transferring to Cardiff City ... he led the team in goals the past three seasons. His transfer fee was around $20 million ... a record signing for Cardiff City," according to TMZ.